By Dan Walsh
Killanne rider Rob James rode a double this afternoon in Laois where he reached a significant milestone in his career riding his 400th point-to-point winner.
James, who is joint-national point-to-point champion (with Barry O’Neill), rode his first winner in Tinahely in 2012, but he has also ridden a number of winners on the track including success at the Cheltenham Festival and the Scottish Grand National.
James’ milestone success was achieved with a ‘neck’ success on Found It trained by Pat Doyle at Holycross, Thurles, in the five-year-old mares’ maiden race and the second leg of a double on the day.
Earlier James scored on newcomer New Grange, which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate by a whopping 24 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.
Matthew Flynn O’Connor saddled Sir Topham Hat in the geldings’ maiden race for novice riders and it concluded with a 24 lengths victory and a first winner for rider Shaun Greene from Shroughvesteen, Co. Kilkenny.
Barry O’Neill also added a winner when partnering Yewtree Hill for Meath trainer Cian Collins in the Winner of Three Race.
Also action today (Saturday) at Oldtown, Co. Meath, and one Wexford trained winner there. The good run of luck for Paul Pierce, the Blackhall Stables, Killurin, and rider Luke Murphy continued with an amazing 64 lengths victory for newcomer Different Story in the two-runner contest that was the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.
Point-to-point action returns to Fairwood Park, Tinahely, tomorrow (Sunday) for the annual Bray Harriers fixture. First race at 1pm. 90 entries. Latest going is “soft, soft to heavy in places.”
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